Here’s the latest installment of our Miami Dolphins Q&A, where South Florida Sun Sentinel writers David Furones and Chris Perkins answer questions from readers.
Q: Jalen Ramsey mentioned during his last interview, the 2021 Rams was in the same position as the Phins this year. The Rams turned it on late and won the Super Bowl. Can this team do the same? — Mal B Crazy on Dolphins Deep Dive
A: Yes, they can. But it’ll take some big improvements, mainly in coming through in big moments of big games. Health is also a big question. As crazy as it sounds, this team is getting healthy. The potential for the defense is exciting with Ramsey and cornerbacks Xavien Howard and Kader Kohou. Offensively, big-play running back De’Von Achane is expected back next week, and I’m thinking guard Robert Hunt will return at some point.
Eight games, which is what Miami has remaining, is a long time. The Dolphins can 100% go on a Super Bowl-winning run. At this point it doesn’t seem likely, but there’s a lot of football left and this team has a bright future. Put it this way, this team is more likely to win the Super Bowl than miss the playoffs, meaning there’s a much better chance things go amazingly well than disastrously bad.
Q: Wonder if Grier still thinks “he should not be as concerned with the O-line” than what some of fans kept pointing out. — Grandizer12 on Dolphins Deep Dive
A: During a draft night news conference, general manager Chris Grier was asked about depth at offensive line and tight end, and included in his answer was the sentence, “I think you guys are probably more worried than we are, in terms of the position depth at those spots you talked about.”
He was expressing confidence in the offensive linemen on the roster. He was right.
I think the offensive line has done well, all things considered. To me, they are who we thought they were. They’re not a group loaded with Pro Bowl-caliber players, but they’re not a glaring weakness, either. Injuries have threatened to crush this crew but they’ve held up well under the circumstances.
When you lose left tackle Terron Armstead, left guard Isaiah Wynn, center Connor Williams and Hunt, the right guard, for various stretches, it’s tough to be consistent. Right tackle Austin Jackson is the only one to make all nine starts and make it through each game healthy.
Hats off to reserves such as left tackle Kendall Lamm, center-guard Liam Eichenberg, and guards Lester Cotton and Robert Jones. That shows quality depth.
But quality depth only lasts so long. If the injuries persist, the offensive line will have to seek outside help.
The offensive line is the reason the offense was able to score 70 points vs. Denver and be on a record-setting pace through five games, and have wide receiver Tyreek Hill establish a record amount of yards through eight games in the Super Bowl era.
Q: @Perk and @HOFHyde, Do you believe or think Tua or McDaniel’s have that killer instinct inside of themselves? — Kevin Williams on Dolphins Deep Dive
A: Yes, I think both do. You might be referring to late-game errors or failures against Buffalo, Philadelphia and Kansas City. There’s been enough blame to go around among coach Mike McDaniel, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, Hill, running back Raheem Mostert, Williams, the center, and pretty much everybody else. It’s not one or two people.
Beyond that, I don’t think it’s a matter of “killer instinct”. I think it’s a matter of getting comfortable with the big moments and learning how to successfully execute in those moments. That goes for the entire team — offense, defense and special teams.
Q: Do you guys think losing to Chiefs & going on a bye then playing raiders at home will there be some rust? Can we afford to play sloppy that game? — Pete’s Takes on Dolphins Deep Dive
A: No, there shouldn’t be any rust. And if there is, remember the Hard Knocks TV crew will be there to document it.
Regardless, the Las Vegas Raiders game on Nov. 19 should be one of Miami’s sharpest, most-focused games of the season. If it’s not, no big deal as long as they win. But consider they’ll be well-rested, fairly healthy, at home, and facing an inferior opponent, and the numbers add up to a big Dolphins victory.
I expect there will be somewhat of a feeling-out process as McDaniel figures out how to split carries among running backs Mostert, Achane and Jeff Wilson Jr., or what the remodeled offensive line can do, or the possibilities of the secondary with Ramsey, Howard and Kohou, etc.
But these guys should come out sharp physically and, especially mentally. They’re good enough to win playing a sloppy game, but I’d be surprised, almost shocked, and certainly disappointed, if they played a sloppy game.
Q: Perk and Hyde are you two concerned about Dolphins bringing in WRs for tryouts yesterday? Maybe a cheetah injury or Waddle more hurt than we thought — PrettieBoi on Dolphins Deep Dive
A: The social media post from veteran NFL reporter Aaron Wilson that the Dolphins worked out wide receivers Anthony Schwartz, Jacob Copeland and Racey McMath on Tuesday is certainly an interesting development. My guess is it applies to a down-the-roster situation more than a front-end player such as Hill or Waddle. During McDaniel’s media sessions this week we weren’t led to think anything was seriously going on with Hill or Waddle.
McDaniel was asked about Waddle and he noted he got banged around a bit against Kansas City.
“He’s in a good spot, however, we’re going to make sure that we don’t do any harm to him moving forward,” McDaniel said Tuesday. “He’s had to battle injuries unfortunately this season and we’ll utilize this bye week to make sure that he’s fully healthy and we don’t have any setbacks.”
But the situation is worth watching.
Have a question?
Email David Furones, or tag @ChrisPerk or @DavidFurones_ on X (Twitter).
